Our Doctors
Dr Melissa Kurz Johnson
Dr Johnson was born and raised in Jacksonville and a proud University of Georgia graduate (Go Dawgs!). While at UGA, she also received her Masters in Public Health studying diseases that spread between animals and people. She has been practicing veterinary medicine in the beaches since 2011 and especially loves surgery. She lives in Ponte Vedra Beach with her husband, three kids, two dogs, and a red-footed tortoise named Toga.
Dr Courtney Whiting
Dr Courtney Whiting earned her undergraduate degree in Animal Biology from the University of Florida and her veterinary degree at St George’s University in 2007. Dr Whiting has been practicing in Jacksonville since 2013. She is married to a retired Air Force pilot and enjoys spending time with her family - 4 kids, 2 dogs, 2 cats, and a beta fish named Bluey!
Dr Colleen Dawson
Dr Dawson spent her younger life in the New York area but moved to St Augustine with her family in 2001. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Central Florida. She followed this with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida ( Go Gators) in 2013. Her veterinary special interests include dermatology, preventative medicine and dentistry. Dr. Dawson also holds a certificate in fear free medicine. When not working she loves to spend time with her husband and son, enjoying theme parks and traveling the world. She also enjoys her four rescue cats.
Our Staff
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Lindsey
Lindsey earned her B.S. in Animal Science from Clemson University, and has been working with Dr Johnson since 2021. Outside of work, Lindsey likes long hikes, good food, and visiting local farmers’ markets.
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Lauren
Lauren is one of our wonderful receptionists! She is new to the veterinary medical field and brings her years of customer service. Meet Luna and Poppy, her pups!
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Lexi
Lexi is one of our fantastic receptionists! She originally hails from Hawaii. She loves showing dogs and here is with one of her pups, Zombie!
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Andrea
Andrea is new with us but not to the veterinary field.
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Holly
Holly just joined Sunrise but worked with Dr Johnson and Dr Whiting at a previous practice.
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Canada
Canada is originally from Virginia but has lived all over the country, including doing animal research in Alaska.